cliff that prevents the economy from falling back into recession, susie. >> susie: well, he better wish that again when he blows out the candles on his cake. at the present -- you know, i was struck by how much he talked about the fiscal cliff in very clear language, saying that it is a serious problem, it is already impacting the economy. and here is the important part: there is really nothing more the fed can do about it to offset going over the cliff. darren, you've been talking to so many lawmakers on the hill. do you think they're getting his message, and also in the white house as well? >> i really don't think so. i think they're aware that there are economic risks out there, but the battle between the president and the republican party and the speaker is kind of like that old saying about when elephants fight, the grass gets crushed. >> susie: i never heard that before. >> well, they're focused on the very big issue of tax rates, what the future of the fiscal policy of the country is. yes, they understand there are some economic risks, but i think they're battling it out for the